Experienced Defense For Firearm Offenses

Most California citizens can legally own or possess weapons. However, gun laws in California are numerous and complex. If one doesn’t know all the regulations and restrictions, or how to behave in a way that complies, it is easy for a person to break the law or get wrongfully accused and be dragged into the court system to answer for gun charges.

Many weapon offenses and gun law violations can be charged as a felony. In addition to possible jail time and a criminal record, one of the ironic consequences of a felony conviction is the loss of the civil right to own or possess firearms in the future. Bulldog Law provides skilled criminal defense to protect your freedom and preserve your rights.

What Happens If I Get Caught With A Gun?

Generally, carrying a loaded firearm in a public place is a misdemeanor. However, depending on certain factors, you can also be charged with a felony, along with punishments and penalties pressed against you according to the state’s laws.

Firearms Offenses In California

California Penal Code enumerates several weapons or firearm-related charges, including:

Carrying a concealed weapon (§25400)
Improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle (§26100)
Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (§245(a)(2))
Possession of a weapon by a convicted felon (§29800)
Firing or shooting an object inside an occupied building (§246)
Illegal sale of a firearm (§26500)
Possession of an assault weapon (§30600)

The following situations are also considered firearms offenses:

Carrying a loaded firearm in public
Using a gun on school grounds or on government property
Owning certain classes of assault weapons or rifles
Possessing gun silencers or armor-piercing ammunition
Brandishing a firearm or assault with a firearm
Drive-by shooting

Defenses In A Firearms Case

Our California criminal defense attorneys are well-versed in the applicable defenses against gun charges and firearm violations, such as:

Non-ownership of the weapon
Self-defense or defense of another person
Illegal search and seizure
Accidental discharge of the weapon
Police entrapment
Prosecutorial misconduct

Frequently Asked Questions About Firearms Offenses In California

It is only natural to have a lot of questions when faced with a firearms offense. Here are some of the most common:

What are the penalties for misdemeanor firearms charges in California?

While every case can have mitigating or aggravating factors that affect sentencing, California is tough on weapons crimes. Conviction on a misdemeanor charge for illegal firearm possession can get you a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 12 months in jail.

What are the penalties for felony firearms offenses in California?

If you are convicted of felony possession of an illegal firearm, you will face up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Using a gun during the commission of another felony crime, however, can lead to even more severe penalties – including 20 years in state prison. One of the most critical reasons to have an experienced weapons crime attorney on your side is to try to minimize the charges from the outset.

What are the consequences of carrying a gun without a CCW permit in California?

You are required to have a state-approved permit to carry a concealed weapon. If there are no factors that elevate the crime to a felony offense and you are charged with a misdemeanor, you may still face up to $1,000 in fines and a year in jail.

Who cannot own or possess a gun in California?

California law prohibits certain individuals from owning or possessing firearms. This includes people who:

Have felony convictions
Are subject to certain domestic violence restraining orders
Have been convicted of specific misdemeanor offenses, such as assault or battery, involving domestic violence
Are addicted to narcotics
Have been adjudicated as mentally ill or committed involuntarily to a mental institution

It’s essential to seek legal advice to understand the specific details of the law as it may pertain to your situation.

Why Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney?

Facing a misdemeanor or a felony charge for a weapons or firearms offense represents long and complex legal processes that can result in serious punishments if you don’t pay attention to even the smallest detail. Therefore, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is the first thing you have to do in order to get the best possible outcome that the law has to offer.

With years of experience, Bulldog Law has the capability to provide advice and guidance tailored to your needs to fight against charges for a weapons or firearms offense.

We invite you to arrange a free consultation with one of our California criminal defense attorneys by calling 888-983-1217 or by contacting us online. We have offices throughout California.

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